With four generations coming together to share the workplace—where Millennials are now the largest generation and will comprise 75% of employees by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—it’s no wonder we as communicators struggle to find a balance when communicating complex information.
The good news? The generational divide may not be as wide as once thought. For instance, it’s true that Baby Boomers want complete information up front, with lots of details. And it’s true that Millennials lack patience to read blocks of text.
But it’s also true that Baby Boomers are no less pressed for time than their Millennial counterparts, who grew up expecting quick, bite-sized snippets of information.
So how do we tailor communication efforts to best fit the needs of time-pressed employees, while also providing a deeper dive for those interested? Here are three ideas:
| Why it works for Millennials | Why it works for Boomers |
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Limit your word count Try cutting back 30 to 40% of your initial word count and scrap the rest. Remember, less is more! |
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Make it visual Wherever possible, use charts, graphs, tables and imagery in place of text. Nothing communicates better than compelling imagery. |
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Use a mix of channels One size does not fit all when it comes to generational preferences. So provide variety and choice. |
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